Roman Empire Historical Facts
Whispers on the Walls: Graffiti as a Voice of Ancient Rome
For tens of thousands of years, people have been leaving their marks on the walls. How was street art during the Empire perceived?
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Emperor Domitian: Tyrant or Reformer?
Emperor Domitian, who ruled Rome from 81 to 96 CE, is one of the most polarizing figures of the Roman Empire. Dismissed by many ancient writers as a tyrant and remembered for his strained relationship with the Senate, Domitian’s legacy is one of complexity and contradiction.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
From Soldier to Sovereign: The Rise and Reign of Vespasian
The final ruler during the tumultuous Year of the Four Emperors, Vespasian established the Flavian dynasty, which governed the Roman Empire for 27 years.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
The Daily Bread of Rome: The Apple of Discord Between Romans and the Bakers
Bread was an essential part of the Roman diet, especially for the lower classes. It wasn’t just a staple but also reflected social status and culture, varying in type and quality depending on the person’s wealth and occupation.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
How did Romans Flood the Colosseum for Naval Battles in the Arena?
Were naumachiae actually held in the Colosseum? How did the Romans flood the arena to stage a naval battle?
Roman Empire Historical Facts
The Gemonian Stairs: Rome's Spot of Mourning and Execution
The Gemonian Stairs became synonymous to death and humiliation for the Roman Empire's enemies and criminals.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
Villa Jovis: The Secret Lair for the Dark Pleasures of an Old Emperor
A luxurious villa in Capri is said to be the place where an emperor spent the last ten years of his reign, involved in sexual activities that would satisfy his disturbed imagination
Roman Empire Anecdotes
The Insulae: The Apartment Buildings of Ancient Romans
The insulae of the Roman Empire are a fascinating reflection of Roman architectural innovation and urban planning.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
How Romans Viewed the Greeks: From Conquest to Cultural Fusion
The relationship between Romans and Greeks was complex, shaped by admiration, imitation, and a degree of tension.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
Was Divide and Conquer a Julius Caesar Invention, or Not?
Julius Caesar knew how to eliminate enemies and how to "read" military intelligence, two of his most important traits.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
From Octavian to Augustus: The Making of Rome’s First Emperor
Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, was the most successful ruler of the Roman Empire.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Titus Livy: The Story of the Roman Celebrity Historian
Titus Livius, commonly known as Livy, was a Roman historian famous for his work Ab Urbe Condita ("From the Founding of the City"), a monumental history of Rome that spanned from its legendary founding in 753 BC to Livy's contemporary period in AD 9.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Suetonius: The Faceless Scholar of Imperial Rome
Suetonius' influence extends beyond his own time. His biographical style set a precedent for later historians and biographers.
Roman Empire Anecdotes
Untold Tales of Julius Caesar; His Secrets and Passions
Julius Caesar is an enormous figure of history and a man hated by many — but admired by everyone.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
Cassius Dio’s Roman History: A Greek Perspective on the Empire
Cassius Dio, also known as Dio Cassius, was a notable Roman historian and senator of Greek origin who lived during the Roman Empire.
Roman Empire Historical Facts
The most Famous Roman Emperor Failed Assassination Attempts
The history of the Roman Empire is replete with assassination attempts, some of which failed and left intriguing tales of survival and intrigue.